Multi-purpose hand tool



3, 1957 A. E. STON ER 2,802,259

MULTI-PURPOSE HAND TOOL Filed Juiy 12. H54 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 I INVENT O R v A/er/w/etsrolvm QQQW ATTORNEY Aug. 13, 1957 A. 5. STONER V 7 2,802,259

MULTI-PURPOSE HAND TOOL Fiied July 12, 1954 s Sheets-Sheet :5

INVENTOR AFT/V085 570/145? ATTORNEY United States Patent MULTI-PURPDSE HAND TOOL Arthur E. Stoner, Dayton, Ohio Application July 12,1954, Serial No. 442,668

4 Claims. (Cl. 30-46) The present invention relates to tool means and more particularly to novel pocket-size combination hand tools.

Combination tools wherein a number of generally useful tools are incorporated in a single structure are well known in the art and are of inestimable value. The value of such tools is particularly appreciated in the home, shop, or in the field where it is highly desirable to have a compact unitary structure embodying anumber of simple commonlyknown tools to accomplish various tasks. Such a simple compact structure eliminates the expense of purchasing a number of different or individual :tool elements, assures the more rapid completion of a task by eliminating the lost motion involved in switching from one individual tool to another, and provides a compact structure that requires little room, consequently permitting easy storage on the person, in a drawer, or-in a tool box. United States Letters Patent Number 908,346 issued to E. H. Smith and United States Letters Patent Number 2,230,376 issued to E. Cullen are representative of the foregoing described combination hand tools, and have been found to be extremely practical .and useful.

The majority of combination tools heretofore .known in the art have been of many different types embodying many different individual tools, however, such prior art devices have been, for the most part, merely annexation of different tools having little or no interrelation of structure or function. That is, such prior art devices have been merely an assemblage of tool elements wherein the combining structure serves little or no purpose in the function or operation of the individual tools.

The present novel invention embodies certain improved details of construction-and function over the Smith,'-Cullen, and similar prior art patents to provide a greater and more improved interrelation of the various tool elements. More particularly the'com'bining structure of the present novel invention is of such construction to assure easy efficient use of any and all the tool elements of this device. In addition the various tool elements are :so 'dis posed that each materially contributes to and improves the function of .the other tool elements of this device.- The unique construction of the present novel invention results in a combination tool that is easier to handle, more compact, and less' expensive to manufacture than similar devices heretofore known in :the art, and also embodies a greater number of tool elements each of which contributes to the Iefiicient functioning of the other 'tool elements .of the present device.

It is therefore aprimaryobject of the present invention to provide novel tool means.

Another object of this invention is .to provide .a novel combination hand tool.

A further object of the present invention :is to provide novel tool means with a plurality of toolclemen'ts wherein combining structure combines the tool elements in .a novel interrelated manner.

An additional object of the present invention is :to provide a combination tool means embodying adjacent cutice ting means and hook means for cooperating in circumferentially and diametrically severing container tops and for removing bottle caps. I Still another object of the present invention 1s to provide combination tool means, having adjacent cutting means and hook means for cooperating in circumferentially and diametrically severing container tops and removing bottle'caps, with divergent handle means.

Still a further object of the present invention 1s to provide combination tool means, having adjacent cutting means and hook means for cooperating in circumferentially and diametrically severing container tops and removing bottle caps with divergent handlemeans provided with gripping means for removing threaded members. A further object of the present invention is to provide a flat metallic member having an elongate arm having a straight edge along one side and a spaced cutting edge and gripping edge along the other side, a second arm angularly connected to said first arm carrying finger guard hook means adjacent the cutting edge and smooth bearing means adjacent said gripping means, the whole defining a compact non-slip hand tool that is capable of opening any type of container, and is alsoadaptedto be used as a .multi-purpose measuring tool, screw driver, wire stripper, wire bender, scraper, knife, and letter opener.

An additional object of the present invention isto provide a combination hand tool that .is compact, easily. and safely handled, and inexpensive to .manufacture.

These and other objects will appear from the following detailed description and .appended claims when read in connection with the attached drawings, wherein;

Figure l is an elevational viewvof one side ofa pre ferredem'bodiment of the novel combination tool of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an elevational view of the same side of the novel combination tool shown in Figure 1, but showing a dilferent set of scales or graduations; thegraduations shown in Figures 1 and 2 can be placed on oppositesides of the novel combination tool if desired;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the novel combination tool of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the novel combination tool circumferentially severing the top of a container;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the novel combination tool in use to provide a pouring opening in a container top;

Figure 6 is a view showing one manner of holding the novel combination tool in the hand;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the novel combination tool in position to remove a frictionally mounted bottle or container cap;

Figure 8 is an elevational view showing the novel" combination tool of the present invention in use as a wlre bender;

Figure '9 is an elevational view of a further embodi ment of the novel combination tool of the present in-' vention;

Figure 10 is a fragmentary perspective view of the" preferred embodiment of the present invention in use to remove threadedly mounted container tops, 'bottle corks, and the like; and

Figure 11 is a fragmentary perspective view of the preferred embodiment in use as a wire insulation cutter.

Turning now to the drawings and particularly to Fig In its preferred embodiment tool means has an overall length of approximately 3.75 inches and a width of approximately 2.75 inches, and a thickness of approximately .062 inch. Tool means 20 is formed from any of the well known high carbon steels as by stamping, milling, or similarly well known fabrication techniques. The foregoing described dimensions have been found to be ideally suited to giving a tool that is compact, light and yet efficiently handled, however, it should be emphasized that these dimensions are merely illustrative and the tool means 20 can be fabricated to any desired size.

Tool means 20, for ease of description, basically comprises two portions; namely, lower portion 22 and upper portion 24 integrally interconnected by a reduced throat portion 26. Lower portion 22 is provided with a straight edge 28 extending substantially the full length of tool means 20 and terminating at its leftmost-extremity, as viewed in Figure 1, in arcuately curved end portion 30. The right hand of straight edge 28, as viewed in Figure 1, is beveled or angulated as indicated at 32, for a purpose which shall hereinafter appear.

At the right hand end of tool means 20 lower portion 22 is provided with a cutting or knife edge 34 disposed at an angle of approximately 20 degrees with respect to straight edge 28. As clearly seen in the drawings cutting edge 34 extends from curved portion to throatportion 26.

The left hand end of lower portion 22 is provided with a generally arcuate section 36 curving smoothly downwardly from throat portion 26 to the right hand end of tool means 20, as viewed in Figure .1. Substantially the full length of the curved surface of arcuate section 36 is provided with a plurality of saw-like teeth, generally indicated at 38, which consist of sides 40 disposed substantially perpendicularto straight edge 28 and angulated sides 42 interconnecting the top and bottom, respectively, of successive perpendicular sides. The outer most or right hand end ofarcuate section, as viewed in Figure 1, is provided with untoothed angulated portion 44 which is connected with angulated side 32 by end 46 disposed substantially perpendicular to straight edge 28, for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

Upper portion, which is integrally interconnected to lower portion 24 by throat portion 26 as heretofore described, is provided at its right hand end, as viewed in Figure 1, with an angulated arm 48 disposed at an angle of approximately 15 to 20 degrees with respect to straight edge 28. The outer edge 50 of arm 48 is straight and together with the aforedescribed angular disposition serves to define an effective handle for tool means 20, as will be hereinafter more particularly described. The inner edge 52 of arm 48 is a curve of ever-increasing slope which terminates at its inner or left hand end, as viewed in Figure 1, in connected relation with arcuate section 36. Relief slot 54 is provided between the left most end of the saw-like teeth 38 and curved portion 52 to facilitate the fabrication of teeth 38 in the course of the manufacture of tool means 20, as well as to permit all of the teeth 33 to be effective in their function, as will be described. The right hand end of arm 48 is provided with straight end 56 disposed substantially perpendicular to edge 50 of arm 48, for a purpose which will appear.

Tool means 20 is provided with the bifurcated configuration defined by arm 48 and arcuate section 36, rather than have a solid plate-like construction, to maintain tool means 20 as light as possible. In addition the intervening space between section 36 and arm 48 is efiiciently employed for a useful tool, as will hereinafter be more particularly described.

The left hand end of upper portion 24 is provided with hook means, generally designated at 58. Hook means 58, which has a hook end 60 in spaced relation to cutting edge 34, is defined by ogee inner curved edge 62 which extends from hook end 60 to the inner or right hand end of cutting edge 34, as clearly seen in Figure 1.,

Intermediate hook means 58 and arm 48 there is an integral upstanding member or finger guard, generally designated at 64, connected at one side to hook end by outer ogee curved edge 66 and at the other side to arm 48 by smooth radius 68 interconnecting edge 50 and side 70 of guard 64.

It will be clearly seen in Figures 1 through 3 that hook means 58 overlies only approximately one-third of the length of cutting or knife edge 34, for a purpose which will hereinafter be more particularly described. Also attention is directed to the construction and relation of the inner portion of hook means 58, defined by ogee curve 62, to knife edge 34, which are joined at the right hand end of knife edge 34, as viewed in Figure 1, to define a V-shaped slot or throat, indicated at 72, and useful as a wire insulation cutter as will be more fully described hereinafter.

Having set forth the basic and salient structural configurations of the more important elements of tool means 20 the operation and function as well as the unique interrelation of the various tool elements of tool means 20 will now be particularly described with reference to Figures 4 through 11.

As clearly shown in Figure 6, the bifurcated relation of arcuate section 36 and arm 48, together with the angulated configuration of arm 48, define a handle which conveniently and comfortably fits in the palm of a persons hand, indicated by the numeral 74. The spread between straight edge 28 and angulated edge 50 is sufiicient to allow a firm gripping of tool means 20, while the bifurcated type of construction maintains the tool as light as possible commensurate with the necessary strength required to prevent breakage of tool means 20. As shown in Figure 6, the thumb 76 of hand 74 lies in overlying relation along straight edge 28, while index finger 78 overlies or is wrapped around arm 48 in abutting relation to side 70 of guard means 64. Radius 68 assures a comfortable positioning of index finger 78. The remaining fingers of hand 74 are wrapped around and grip arm 48 in the manner clearly shown in Figure 6. Guard means 64 prevents the slippage of hand 74 while using tool means 20 by forming an abutment for index finger 78, thereby assuring complete safety while using the tool means of this invention.

Turning now to Figure 4, a person holding tool means 20 in the manner illustrated in Figure 6 can easily circumferentially sever the lid of a tin can, generaly indicated at 80 as will now be described. Hook end 60 of hook means 58 is engaged under the outside of the conventional or well known beaded portion 82 of can 80 and the curved end of knife edge 34 is placed adjacent the inner side of beaded portion 82 in contact with the top or lid 84 of can 80. The juncture of curved portion 30 and knife edge 34 effectively defines a piercing or punching end 31. Thus, as seen in Figure 6, with hook end 60 as a fulcrum under beaded portion 82 tool means 20 is rotated counterclockwise or in the direction of arrow 86 so that punching end 31 will pierce lid or top 84. Tool means 20 is continually rotated in a counterclockwise direction making a cut 88 in lid 84. When tool means 20 has been rotated sufficiently in a counterclockwise direction so that it can out no more hook end 60 is slid along under beaded portion 82 in the direction of arrow 90 to reposition hook end 60 so that cut 88 can be extended by repeating the aforedescribed cutting operation, or procedure 'until the whole lid 84, or as much thereof as desired is severed. From the foregoing it will readily be appreciated that tool means 20 forms an effective can opener of the circumferential type.

Novel tool means 20 is also equally well adapted to pierce the top of a can 80 with a triangular opening, in the manner of the well-known beer can openers, as clearly illustrated in Figure 5. Tool means 20 is held in hand 74, as illustrated in Fig. 6, and hook end 60 is engaged under beaded portion 82 with knife edge 34 extending diametrically across can 80 toward the center of lid or top 84. Tool means 20 is then rotated in direction of arrow 91, using hook end 60 as a fulcrum, so that piercing end 31 will pierce lid 84 and knife edge 34 will form slit or opening 92 in lid 84. Tool means 20 is then moved around can 80, a short circumferential distance, in the direction of arrow 93 so that hook end 60 engages beaded portion 82 a short distance from slit 92, while piercing end 31 remains in contact with lid 84 at the inner end of slit 92. Tool means 20 is then again rotated in the direction of arrow 91 forming another slit, indicated by dashed line 94, which joins slit 92 at or toward the center of lid 84. This second cutting action of tool means 20 also causes triangular flap, formed by the slitting action, indicated at 98, to be bent inwardly in the manner of the well-known beer can openers thereby providing a pouring opening in lid 84 to release the liquid from within can 80. Thus it will be readily seen that the same novel tool means herein disclosed for circumferentially severing the lids of containers can also be employed to form pouring openings in the lids of containers in the manner of beer-type can openers, and is easily and etficiently operated for either type of cut.

In addition, the same tool elements of tool means 20 are also readily adaptable to use as a bottle cap opener, as clearly illustrated in Figure 7. Once again tool means 20 is gripped in the manner illustrated in Figure 6, hook end 60 is then engaged under the fluted edge of bottle cap 100, as illustrated in Figure 7. In the position show-n in Figure 7 it will be seen that knife edge 34 is sufficiently long to extend completely across the diameter of bottle cap 100; this feature is important since knife edge 34 engages a portion of the bottle cap as indicated at 102 to act as a fulcrum point. If the blades were not longer than the diameter of bottle cap 100 the sharp cutting edge of knife 34 would pierce cap 100. With tool means 20 in the position illustrated in Figure '7 tool means 20 is rotated in the direction of arrow 104 about fulcrum point 102 lifting cap 100 out of engagement with the well known beaded top of bottle 106. Thus the disposition of hook end 60 in relation to knife edge 34 and the dimensioning of these elements readily adapts tool means 20 as a circumferential severing tool, a pouring opening forming tool, and as a bottle cap remover, with no adjustment or change in the basic configuration of tool means 20.

Turning now to Figure the application of tool means to the task of removing threaded container tops, bottle corks, various nuts, or smooth surfaced threaded members will now be particularly described.

Teeth 38 shown in the many figures of the drawing are illustrated for use with left hand threaded members, however, merely reversing the slope of teeth 38 readily adapts the tool for right hand threads.

The reference numeral 110 indicates a portion of a bottle cork or a smooth surfaced cylindrical member having threads at one end (not shown). Due to the smooth cylindrical surface of member 110 almost everyone has experienced the difliculty of getting a firm grip on member 110 to either loosen or tighten member 110. The novel tool 20 of this invention provides a readily available tool element for making such a task an easy one. Tool 20 is held in the manner shown by the phantom line showing of hand 74, with thumb 76 and index finger 78 lying in gripping relation on opposite sides of tool 20. In this position radius 68 of guard 64 rests against the inner side of the heel of thumb 76. Tool means 20 is firmly held by hand 74 and can not slip therefrom due to guard 64. The remaining fingers grip straightedge 28 of lower portion 22, in the manner illustrated in Figure 10.

With tool means 20 gripped as shown in Figure 10 it is placed around element 110 so that the element is contacted on one side by teeth 38 and on the other side by smoothly curved portion 52,. Tool means 20 is then rotated in a clockwise direction indicated by arrow 112, which clockwise rotation effectively causes element to slide inwardly on smooth curve 52 while 38 grip the opposite side of element 110 preventing element 110 from slipping outwardly on teeth 38. The net result of this action is to effectively wedge element 110 between teeth 38 and curve 52 so that continued rotation of tool means 20 will either loosen or unscrew element 110 from its mounting. By reversing the position of tool means 20 from that shown in Figure 10 the tool means 20 can be used to tighten or thread element 110 in place. Thus tool means 20 can be easily and efficiently used to assemble and disassemble smooth surfaced cylindrical members such as threaded container tops, nuts, or bottle corks. Curve 52 of arm 48 and the curved disposition of teeth 38 are so disposed that the contact points of these elements with the member to .be loosened or tightened, as the case may be, will always lie on a diameter thereby requiring a minimum of rotative force on tool means 20 to effect the desired operation.

As clearly seen in Figure 11 tool means 20 can also be employed to circumferentially cut the insulation of wire. Insulated wire 116 is inserted into space 72 defined by knife edge 34 and ogee curve 62 of hook means 58. Tool 20 is then pressed firmly against the insulation 114, effectively wedging the insulation in space 72, afterv which tool 20 is rotated about insulation 114 causing knife edge 34 to cut through insulation 114, indicated by numeral 115. After cut 115 is formed completely around insulation 114 the insulation can be easily slipped from wires 116.

The extremety of arm or section 36 is provided with a small recessed-head type screw driver defined by angulated sides 32 and 44 and straight end 46. Also the free end of arm 48 also defines a slightly larger screw driver having flat or straight end 56. Additionally the straight end of guard 64 indicated by numeral 118 defines a relatively large screw driver, however, as clearly seen in the drawings, the straight edge 118 is interrupted by a small V-shaped notch 120. Notch 120 serves to facilitate wire bending as for example bending loops in wires for retention screws of the well known electrical outlet plugs. As seen in Figure 8 a portion of an end of wire 122 is gripped by notch 120 and tool means 20 is rotated in the direction of arrow 124 until end 126 is doubled over until the end 126 contacts the side of wire 122 to form the desired loop. Of course the positioning of tool means on wire 122 can be varied to attain any wire loop size desired.

Other outstanding and novel features of tool means 20 will now be particularly described. Straight edge 28 of tool means 20 serves as a straight edge for pencilling straight lines on drawings, and in addition can also serve as a paint or ice scraper. In the latter case tool means 20 can be carried in an automobile glove compartment ready for use in scraping the thin coating of ice that often forms on the Windshields of cars. Another feature of tool means 20 is the disposition of the knife edge beyond hook means 58, which knife edge 34 can be used as an ordinary jack knife blade and also as a letter opener, while the end 31 of knife edge 34 can be employed as a punch or piercing tool, as heretofore described in connection with Figures 4 and 5.

In all of the foregoing described functions of tool means 20 guard means 64 functions to permit the nonslipping gripping of tool means 20, thereby assuring completely safe usage of the tool, while hook means 58 in partial overlying relation to knife edge 34 serves as a guard to prevent injury on the sharp cutting edge. Thus it will be readily appreciated that the combining structure of tool means 20 and the disposition of the various tool elements of this novel invention are so disposed to s 7 l cooperate with each other and increase the operability of each of the individual tool elements.

In addition by virtue .of the novel shape of tool 20 it is ideally suited to be etched with novel graduations thereby adapting it readily as an ideal measuring tool for use in the shop or on field jobs. The novel graduations and the unique disposition of these graduations upon tool 20 will now be particularly described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

The novel graduations provided on tool means 20, thereby adapting it as a universal tool, are shown only on Figures 1 and 2 for ease of illustration. Turning now to Figure l the use of tool means 20 as a protractor for measuring or marking ofi angles will now be described. One face of lower portion 22 adjacent straight edge 28 is marked or etched with an arrow head as indicated at 136. An etched line 138 extends perpendicularly upwardly from straight edge 28 to edge 118 and indicates the 90 degree angular position. To the right of line 138, as viewed in Figure 1, arm 48 is etched with various angular indications as shown by the angular numerals 45, 60, and 75. It will be readily appreciated any number of etched lines can be added to indicate the intervening angular positions. Use of tool means 20 as a protractor is the same as any well known protractor.

Along straight edge 28 lower portion 22, as viewed in Figure 1, is divided or etched with various scales or measuring graduations. For example, as shown in Figure 1, lower portion 22 adjacent edge 28 is etched along approximately a three inch extent, the first inch having divided into 16ths as indicated by numeral 140, the second inch into lths, indicated by the numeral 142, and the last inch into ths, indicated by the numeral 144. However, it is to be noted here that the divisions as described are merely illustrative and can be varied as desired.

There is illustrated in Figure 2 different graduations which can be placed on the opposite face of lower portion 22 adjacent edge 28, if so desired, the tool means 20 being etched in a three inch division, the first inch being divided to indicate inch to the inch; the second inch to indicate /4 inch to the inch; and the last inch to indicate /2 inch to the inch. The last described scales are particularly useful in making scale drawings or in getting dimensions from scale drawings.

In addition the face of angulated arm 48 adjacent edge 50, as viewed in Figure 2, can be etched to indicate millimeter divisions, as indicated by reference numeral 152.

Thus it will be readily appreciated from the-foregoing description of the graduations on tool means 20 that the novel tool means of the present invention is completely adaptable as a universal measuring tool as well as the unique tool the details of which have been heretofore described.

An added feature of tool means 20 is the adaptability of arcuate section 36 as a pipe reamer; the teeth 38 of section 36 acting as an eifective scraper to efiiciently clean the inner wall of the pipe bowl (not shown).

Turning now to Figure 9 there is shown a further embodiment of the novel tool means 20 of this invention, generally indicated at 154, like numerals indicating like parts throughout.

The major distinction of tool means 154 from tool means 20, is the structure of the tool at the right hand end, as viewed in Figure 9. Instead of the bifurcated relation of section 36 and arm 48, tool means 154 is provided with a single plate-like or solid arm 156. Arm 156 has an angulated edge 158 extending from finger guard 64 to straight edge 28. Also the ends of knife edge 34 and arm 156 are provided with straight edges or ends 160 and 162, respectively, perpendicularly disposed with respect to edge 28. The left hand end of tool means 154, as viewed in Figure 9, can be bevelled as at 164 to provide a narrow tongued screw driver at that end indicated by numeral 166, while the opposite end of tool means 154 remans unbevelled to provide a wide tongued screw driver indicated at 168. The position of the narrow tongued and wide tongued .screw. drivers can be reversed, if desired, as indicated .by phantom lines and 172, respectively. a

From the foregoing it will be readily seen and appreciated that there is herein provided a novel combination tool means embodyinga maximum number of tool elements wherein the combining structure and the various tool elements all contribute to the function of each of the tool elements of the tool. In addition the tool means of the present. novel invention is compact, inexpensive to manufacture, easily stored, safely used, and universally usable.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope ,of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes whichcome within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:

l. A relatively flat thin metallic combination tool comprising, an upper and lower portion integrally interconnected by an intermediate throat portion; an elongate cutting edge on said lower portion at one side of said throat portion; engaging means on said upper portion at said one side of the throat portion in spaced facing relation to less than one half of said cutting edge; guard means on said upper portion adjacent to the engaging means; and spaced gripping means at said other side of said throat means defining a handle whereby there is provided a multiple purpose combination hand tool.

2. A relatively thin flat metallic combination hand tool comprising, an upper and lower portion interconnected by an intermediate reduced throat portion; an elongate cutting edge on said lower portion extending from one side of said throat portion; hook means on said upper portion extending from said one side of said throat portion and lying in spaced facing relation to less than one half of said cutting edge adjacent said throat portion; a finger guard on said upper portion extending outwardly therefrom substantially adjacent the juncture of said hook means and throat portion; and the upper and lower portions at the other side of said throat portion extending therefrom in substantially spaced diverging relation to define a relatively wide angle gripping handle for said combination tool.

3. A relatively thin fiat metallic combination hand tool comprising, an upper and lower portion interconnected by an intermediate reduced throat portion; an elongate cutting edge on said lower portion extending angularly downwardly at one side of and from said throat portion to an end of said lower portion; hook means on said upper portion extending from said one side of said throat portion in spaced facing relation to less than one half of said cutting edge; said hook means defined by a first ogee curved portion extending from the juncture of said cutting edge and throat portion to the free end of said hook means, and a second ogee curved portion extending rearwardly and outwardly from said free end of said hook means; a finger guard on said upper portion extending outwardly therefrom substantially adjacent the juncture of said hook means and throat portion; and the upper and lower portions at the other side of said throat portion extending therefrom in substantially bifurcated diverging relation to define a relatively wide angle gripping handle substantially rearwardly of said finger guard.

4. A relatively thin fiat metallic combination hand tool formed from a single piece of high alloy steel comprising, an upper and lower portion interconnected by an intermediate reduced throat portion; an elongate cutting edge along an upper edge of said lower portion extending angularly downwardly at one side of and from said throat portion to a free end of said lower portion; hook means on a lower edge of said upper portion extending from said one side of said throat portion in spaced facing relation to less than one half of said cutting edge; said hook means defined by a first ogee curved portion extending from the end of said hook means to the juncture of said cutting edge and throat portion defining an angulated slot therebetween, and a second ogee curved portion extending rearwardly and outwardly from said free end of the hook means; a finger guard integrally forming a continuation of said second ogee curved portion and extending outwardly from said upper portion;

and the upper and lower portions at the other side of 15 10 said throat portion extending therefrom in substantially bifurcated diverging relation to define a relatively wide angle gripping handle substantially rearwardly of said finger guard.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS D. 53,260 Von Tobel Apr. 29, 1919 849,005 Meyer Apr. 2, 1907 953,806 Tivey Apr. 5, 1910 1,265,320 Gaynor May 7, 1918 2,230,376 Cullen Feb. 4, 1941 FOREIGN PATENTS 122,701 Australia Nov. 5, 1946 

